Disney on Broadway celebrates 30 years
When the Epcot International Festival of the Arts returns to Walt Disney World Resort on Jan. 17, 2025, it will not only feature the extremely popular Disney on Broadway concert series in the America Gardens Theatre but also a new walk-through exhibit celebrating 30 years of Disney on Broadway.
Once Upon A Stage: 30 Years of Disney on Broadway in CommuniCore Hall celebrates the history of Disney musicals on Broadway, from Beauty and the Beast in 1994 to the upcoming Hercules, which premieres in the summer of 2025.
The special Epcot exhibit will feature many of the same items as the the Disney on Broadway display on the show floor at D23: The Ultimate Fan Event, including costumes and props from the 10 Disney stage productions as well as a behind-the-scenes look at how classic animated films like “The Lion King” and “Aladdin” were reimagined for the stage.
Disney on Broadway Time Line:
- April 18, 1994 – Beauty and the Beast opens at The Palace Theatre
- Nov. 13, 1997 – The Lion King opens at the New Amsterdam Theatre
- March 23, 2000 – Aida opens at The Palace Theatre
- May 10, 2006 – Tarzan opens at The Richard Rogers Theatre
- Nov. 16, 2006 – Mary Poppins opens at the New Amsterdam Theatre
- Nov. 16, 2008 – The Little Mermaid opens at the Lunt-Fontaine Theatre
- March 29, 2012 – Newsies opens at the Nederlander Theatre
- March 20, 2014 – Aladdin opens at the New Amsterdam Theatre
- March 22, 2018 – Frozen opens at the St. James Theatre
- Summer 2025 – Hercules will premiere in London’s West End
We were able to see a selection of costumes and props when we visited a special 30 Years of Disney on Broadway exhibit at the Museum of Broadway in New York.
Although the dedicated exhibit in Times Square has now closed, there are Disney on Broadway costumes and props in the museum’s permanent collection, so if you’re planning a trip to the Big Apple, it’s definitely worth a visit.
Disney on Broadway Concert Series
From Jan. 17 through Feb. 24, 2025, stars from Disney on Broadway productions, including Aladdin, Frozen, The Lion King, Mary Poppins, Tarzan, and Newsies, will perform at the America Gardens Theatre in the American Adventure Pavilion. Showtimes are5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Performance Schedule:
- Jan. 17, 19, 20, 23, 25, 27, and 28 – Patti Murin (original Anna in Frozen) and John Riddle (original Hans in Frozen)
- Jan. 18, 21, 22, 24, 26, 29, and 30 – Caissie Levy (original Elsa in Frozen) and Jelani Remy (Simba in The Lion King)
- Jan. 31 – Adam Jacobs (original Aladdin in Aladdin) and Josh Strickland (original Tarzan in Tarzan)
- Feb. 1, 4, 5, 7, 9, 12, 13 – Ashley Brown (original Mary in Mary Poppins) and Alton Fitzgerald White (Mufasa in The Lion King)
- Feb. 2, 3, 6, 8, 10, and 11 – Adam Jacobs and Josh Strickland
- Feb. 14, 16, 17, 20, 23, and 24 – Michael James Scott (Genie in Aladdin) and Kissy Simmons (Nala in The Lion King)
- Feb. 15, 18, 19, 21, 22, and 24 – Rodney Ingram (Aladdin in Aladdin) and Kara Lindsay (original Katherine in Newsies)
Disney on Broadway Dining Packages
There’s nothing better than dinner (or breakfast or lunch) and a show, and 15 Epcot eateries are offering just that. The dining packages include a meal and a guaranteed seat to a Disney on Broadway concert on the same day. Reservations for Disney on Broadway are highly recommended.
Participating restaurants and pricing (plus tax and gratuity):
- Biergarten Restaurant – Adults (age 10+) $71; Kids (age 3-9) $38
- Chefs de France – Adults (age 10+) $69; Kids (age 3-9) $34
- Coral Reef Restaurant – Adults (age 10+) $78; Kids (age 3-9) $31
- Garden Grill Restaurant – Adults (age 10+) $71 for breakfast; $85 for lunch/dinner; Kids (age 3-9) $43 for breakfast; $53 for lunch/dinner
- La Creperie de Paris – Adults (age 10+) $51; Kids (age 3-9) $24
- La Hacienda de San Angel – Adults (age 10+) $82; Kids (age 3-9) $37
- Le Cellier – Adults (age 10+) $106; Kids (age 3-9) $42
- Nine Dragons – Adults (age 10+) $58; Kids (age 3-9) $23
- Regal Eagle Smokehouse (same day dining packages only) – Adults (age 10+) $39; Kids (age 3-9) $23
- Rose & Crown – Adults (age 10+) $65; Kids (age 3-9) $28
- Shiki-Sai – Adults (age 10+) $80; Kids (age 3-9) $45
- Spice Road Table – Adults (age 10+) $60; Kids (age 3-9) $23
- Teppan Edo – Adults (age 10+) $80; Kids (age 3-9) $45
- Tutto Italia – Adults (age 10+) $75; Kids (age 3-9) $28
- Via Napoli – Adults (age 10+) $63; Kids (age 3-9) $27
Here’s what’s included with your meal:
- At Spice Road Table: Two small plates, a shared tagine, a shared dessert platter, and a nonalcoholic beverage (or alcoholic beverage for guests 21+)
- At Other Participating Restaurants: An entrée and dessert, or one full buffet (where applicable)—as well as a nonalcoholic beverage (or alcoholic beverage for guests 21+)
Know Before You Go:
- Guests will receive Disney on Broadway concert seating badges at the restaurant after their meal. The badge will specify the date and showtime they have reserved.
- Guests with the Dining Package will enter America Gardens Theatre in a separate queue and will be seated on a first-come, first-served basis. Seating is guaranteed.
- Guests who have not reserved a Disney on Broadway Concert Series Dining Package will be seated at the concert on a first-come, first-served basis. Seating is based on availability due to limited capacity.
Click here for more information about the Epcot International Festival of the Arts.
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